Queensland parliamentary forum held to address assisted dying laws

The push for Queensland to consider voluntary assisted dying laws continues despite the state government ruling it out in the short term.

A forum on the issue being held at state parliament today was opened by Queensland Speaker and Labor government MP Curtis Pitt where euthanasia advocates will be heard from.

Former Northern Territory first minister Marshall Perron, who is one of the speakers, said a full parliamentary inquiry was needed and pointed to the Victorian experience.

Queensland MP Curtis Pitt has opened talks on Euthanasia being legalised like in Victoria. Image: AAP ()

Victoria went through a lengthy inquiry process before successfully last year passing laws allowing voluntary euthanasia under certain circumstances.

"It took over two years... they interviewed hundreds of expert witnesses - police, doctors church people and so on," Mr Perron told ABC radio.

"So when they did finally produce a bill, it was a bill they wanted to put into parliament virtually without any amendments because the issues had been thrashed out comprehensively in the public arena."

Anti-euthanasia campaign group Cherish Life has no objection to the issue being discussed but doesn't believe it should be considered by the government.

"People have the right to refuse treatment, that is their democratic right," Teeshan Johnson told ABC radio.

"I think it's unfair to ask doctors to sanction assisted killing, which is what it is."

Annastacia Palazschuk has said assisted dying laws are not a priority right now. Image: AAP (AAP)

Queensland Labor has already said the issue wasn't on the agenda for this term of government, as it focussed on abortion law reform.

But it has noted the developments in Victoria.

"It is something Queenslanders do want to have a conversation about, but in the meantime can I emphasise that our priority in this term is abortion law reform," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament earlier this month.

Proposed euthanasia laws were considered by NSW in 2017 and South Australia in 2016 but both failed, while the Northern Territory passed laws in 1996 that were later voided by the federal government.